Permanent Bans For Zimbabweans Who Overstay U.S. Visas, Says Embassy
Zimbabweans planning to travel to the United States have been hit with a stern warning. The U.S. Embassy in Harare has announced that overstaying a visa could now result in criminal prosecution and a permanent ban from entering the country.
“IF YOU OVERSTAY YOUR U.S. VISA, YOU COULD FACE A PERMANENT BAN ON
TRAVEL TO THE UNITED STATES AS WELL AS CRIMINAL PROSECUTION,”
tweeted the U.S. Embassy Zimbabwe on 29 May 2025.
No room for ‘honest mistakes’
In a statement that left no room for confusion, the embassy added:
“THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS AN ‘HONEST MISTAKE.’”
Officials stressed that consular officers have full access to all immigration records, including past overstays and visa violations.
“CONSULAR OFFICERS HAVE FULL ACCESS
TO YOUR IMMIGRATION HISTORY AND
WILL KNOW ABOUT PAST VIOLATIONS.”
Some Zimbabweans have in the past overstayed visas—sometimes by a few days, sometimes longer—believing it would go unnoticed or be excused later.
But now, the embassy is making it clear: even short overstays may lead to permanent bans.
While the tweet did not reveal what triggered the warning, some observers suggest the U.S. may be tightening enforcement due to an increase in visa violations.
A Harare-based travel consultant, speaking anonymously, said:
“A lot of people think a few days won’t matter. But things are changing fast.”
Another added:
“We advise clients to leave before the last date on the I-94 form. Not even one day late.”
The message from the embassy appears to target not only tourists but also students, temporary workers, and those on exchange programmes.
What this means for future travellers
Immigration experts say overstayers now face far more serious consequences than in the past.
According to a U.S. immigration lawyer:
“This could mean lifetime bans depending on the length of overstay and circumstances.”
Social media users reacted swiftly to the tweet. Some warned their relatives abroad to be cautious. Others shared stories of friends denied future visas due to short overstays.
The message is clear: overstaying a U.S. visa is no longer just a paperwork issue—it’s now a legal one.
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The post US Embassy Warns Zimbabweans: Visa Overstays Now Lead To Criminal Charges & Permanent Bans appeared first on iHarare News.
